How to Survive (well) with All the Changes in Healthcare

I just received an email from the local “doc in the box,” as we commonly call Urgent Health Care Centers. When they first opened, most people used them for emergencies, when their health care provider was closed, on weekends, or as opposed to going to the emergency room. However, more and more, they are the primary provider for many people due to the changing healthcare system. It is difficult to find a primary care provider for many of us; most will not see us for the simplest problem, i.e., a bad cold, sore throat, or back pain, until we have had an initial physical, and often, that may take months to schedule. So, we turn to urgent care facilities. But, they also suffer from a shortage of healthcare providers. For me, the one near my house has provided excellent care and is decreasing their hours. My cardiologist just told me that they had lost nurses and mid-levels. Burnout is real, and we, the patients, are suffering.

So how do we survive? How do we get appointments? As I have said before, make friends with the front desk. Ask about cancellations. Most offices will tell you that they have cancellations almost daily; ask if you can call to check in on last-minute openings or if they keep a cancellation list. Providers don’t like empty schedules, but staffing usually doesn’t allow them to call patients to see if they have availability. I have been told by doctors and dentists alike that the soonest opening may be three months off, but when I check back, there may be an opening that day or week.

And when you do go, make a list of your questions and goals. Bring all of the medications that you take, and take notes. And most importantly, bring another set of ears with you; either a friend or family member, or an advocate. And if the office will not let you bring someone with you (due to Covid), have someone on the phone with you. Please make the most of your visits, as they are becoming harder and harder to get.